A WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt (WACHS) spokesperson has said an alternative birthing model is being explored due to unsuccessful attempts to hire a full time obstetrician at Northam Hospital.
WACHS acting regional director Sean Conlan said reinstating obstetric services is a high priority for the organisation.
“WACHS acknowledges the importance of providing birthing services in Northam and remains fully committed to providing safe obstetric services for Wheatbelt women,” Mr Conlan said.
“We have worked extensively with medical recruitment agencies and local general practitioners (GPs), over a prolonged period of time, to recruit GP obstetricians to the town.
“However, unfortunately these efforts have been unsuccessful to date and we are seeking to progress the establishment of an alternate model.”
Mr Conlan said a business case to establish a new model of care using a Midwifery Group Practice approach at Northam Hospital is currently under development.
“Midwifery Group Practice has been used with great success in other country areas across the State,” Mr Conlan said.
The Department of Health Website states: “Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) allows women and families having a baby to be cared for by a known midwife throughout their pregnancy, during labour and birth, and postnatally.
“A midwife or small team of midwives will provide your primary care with medical practitioner.”
However, women who are deemed high-risk will still have to travel elsewhere to give birth.
The Advocate asked the Department of Health what the definition of a high-risk birth is and the spokesperson said: “There are many and varied reasons why a pregnancy can be defined as High Risk.
“...a high risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that is complicated by maternal or fetal conditions that place either or both at risk of an adverse outcome.
“Such complications could result from pre-existing medical conditions, previous obstetric history, or a condition arising in the current pregnancy.”
Mr Conlan said WACHS has kept local member Mia Davies informed of the progress of the Northam Hospital redevelopment and the status of birthing services being provided.
Ms Davies said: “Reinstating obstetric and maternity services in Northam would support women and their families in this region and relieve Perth’s maternity hospitals.”
